Honda's 3D-printed customizable EV has motorcycle bones – Engadget

I was a bit cautious of the idea of an entire vehicle composed of 3D-printed panels, but Honda’s spokesperson outlined how it took design and engineering know-how from its motorcycle division, resulting in a light but safe pipe-based skeleton under the panelling. This is apparently what gives the “micro commuter model” structural integrity. The company had some assistance from design firm Kabuku, which put a bird on it: on the hatchback trunk, as well as the doors and the seat.

The majority of the car has that familiarly, rough 3D-printed surface to it, but despite being the early first step in Honda’s efforts to offer a heavily customizable electric vehicle, today’s prototype could very much move. A handful of journalists and businessmen got to sit inside and drive it very briefly around a faux Japanese village corner. 3D-printing entire car bodies could lead to reduced design times and cheaper costs. But that’s if it becomes a bigger thing. For now, it’s a hopeful platform that’s still in development.

I was a bit cautious of the idea of an entire vehicle composed of 3D-printed panels, but Honda’s spokesperson outlined how it took design and engineering know-how from its motorcycle division, resulting in a light but safe pipe-based skeleton under the panelling. This is apparently what gives the “micro commuter model” structural integrity. The company had some assistance from design firm Kabuku, which put a bird on it: on the hatchback trunk, as well as the doors and the seat.

The majority of the car has that familiarly, rough 3D-printed surface to it, but despite being the early first step in Honda’s efforts to offer a heavily customizable electric vehicle, today’s prototype could very much move. A handful of journalists and businessmen got to sit inside and drive it very briefly around a faux Japanese village corner. 3D-printing entire car bodies could lead to reduced design times and cheaper costs. But that’s if it becomes a bigger thing. For now, it’s a hopeful platform that’s still in development.

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